From next month, Toronto's commuters will finally be able to pay for subway journeys with their debit and credit cards, although contactless payments on the city's antiquated public transport network are still some way off.
Currently, people buying tokens and tickets at Toronto's subway stations have to pay cash but from 1 January they will be able to use their card when buying at least 10 thanks to a new point-of-sale system.
The Toronto Transit Commission says that it is also "exploring" the option of adding contactless bank card payments for single cash fares later next year.
Speaking at a press conference at Victoria Park subway station, Toronto's new mayor, John Tory, told reporters: "In a global city like Toronto, the idea that most transactions would have to take place with cash is almost prehistoric."
The option to pay for tickets and tokens by card is a stop-gap measure as Toronto gradually rolls out a contactless payments system similar to London's Oyster across its public transport network.
The Presto system is slated to be implemented at all subway stations and buses over the next two years, although the city's streetcar passengers will have to wait longer.